TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Legislature on Monday passed a package of bills addressing law enforcement transparency, data privacy and the relationship between police and immigrant communities.
The measures, approved by both the Senate and General Assembly, include the “Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act,” the “Privacy Protection Act” and legislation to codify the state’s Immigrant Trust Directive.
The Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act would require law enforcement officers, including federal agents, to display visible identification and, in most cases, not conceal their faces while conducting official duties. The bill includes exceptions for undercover work, medical reasons and safety concerns.
“The trust local police have worked hard to build in our towns and cities is being undermined by unidentifiable ICE agents who seek to intimidate our neighborhoods while avoiding accountability,” said Senator Wimberly (D-Passaic/Bergen). “Banning the use of masks, with limited exceptions, will help us protect the civil rights of all residents and will send a clear message that anonymous and unchecked immigration enforcement will not be tolerated in New Jersey.”
“When law enforcement hides behind masks and operates without visible identification, it erodes trust, sows fear, and encourages dangerous and irresponsible behavior from civil servants who should be held to the highest standard,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “Requiring all law enforcement to provide facial and material identification during their operations is a reasonable measure that is in the best interest of public safety and accountability for our communities and all levels of law enforcement.”
“In New Jersey, we respect the professionalism of our law enforcement agencies and the standards of accountability they follow. Federal immigration officers should adhere to the same standards. This is vital in maintaining the public’s trust in the rule of law and their confidence that our laws are being enforced fairly and humanely. Protecting the rights of all of our residents will serve the best interests of law enforcement and help to keep our communities safe for everyone,” said Senate President Scutari (D-Union/Somerset).
The Privacy Protection Act would limit the collection and sharing of certain personal information by government agencies and health care providers unless necessary to administer services.
“Across the country, the hostile climate this administration has created for immigrants and their families is making individuals hesitant to access essential services, regardless of their legal status,” said Senate Majority Leader Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “No one should be afraid to seek health care or public services because of the personal information they are asked to provide. The ‘Privacy Protection Act’ limits the collection of private information when it is unnecessary to receive services and ensures confidentiality so all New Jerseyans can access the support they need without fear.”
“Protecting people’s personal information is fundamental to maintaining trust in government and ensuring access to necessary services,” said Senator Zwicker (D-Middlesex/Mercer/Somerset/Hunterdon). “As federal authorities use government records for their aggressive and mean-spirited immigration enforcement, New Jersey must strengthen our privacy protections to prevent harm.”
“This legislation will modernize our privacy protections to safeguard personal data collected by government agencies and health care providers,” said Senator McKeon (D-Essex/Passaic). “With the Trump Administration trying to access these records in order to identify and deport our law-abiding, undocumented neighbors, we must stand up to defend their right to privacy and protect them from undue harassment by federal agents.”
The third measure would codify the state’s Immigrant Trust Directive, first issued in 2018, which limits cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
“We must assert our constitutional authority under the anti-commandeering doctrine, which prevents the federal government from forcing states to administer federal programs. These laws make New Jersey communities safer, safeguarding people— documented and undocumented—while protecting local police from being drawn into federal actions that could expose them to serious legal and moral consequences. Lessons of the Nuremberg trials remind us ‘just following orders’ is not an excuse to violate fundamental constitutional and human rights. Advancing this legislation shields individuals from unfair treatment, upholds constitutional protections, and reflects the inclusive values of a nation built by immigrants. When my future grandchildren read about this moment in history, they will know we used the law to protect people,” said Senator Timberlake (D-Essex).
“Our state and local law enforcement must focus on building trust among residents and keeping our communities safe—not carrying out a cruel, anti-immigrant agenda that instills fear among hardworking, everyday people,” said Senator Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen). “Codifying the Immigrant Trust Directive will help reaffirm New Jersey’s commitment to our immigrant neighbors, who are our friends and vital contributors to our state, and stand against escalating threats from Washington.”
“These bills advance public safety at a time when the federal government is acting lawlessly, sowing division, and inciting chaos,” said Senator Mukherji (D-Hudson). “When victims and witnesses are afraid to come forward, violent offenders remain on the streets. This legislation strengthens and maintains trust between our diverse communities and state and local law enforcement, and it allows police to do their jobs — focusing on real public safety threats, preventing violence, and solving crime — while ensuring taxpayer resources are not misused to enforce federal civil immigration violations at a time when ICE has repeatedly disregarded due process and civil rights across the country.”
Assembly members also voiced support for the measures during Monday’s session.
“At some point in our lives, most of us will meet someone who identifies as an immigrant. Whether they came to the United States seeking asylum, better opportunities, or an education, none of that changes the fact that they have rights. The American dream is built on freedom, the freedom to live, work, and exist without fear,” said Assemblywoman Ellen Park (D-Bergen). “So when we allow the government to stop someone on the street and demand they prove their identity, to arrest them simply because of the color of their skin or the way they speak, or to apprehend them for recording said actions, we are surrendering that freedom.”
“After going to the hospital, the MVC, your local permits office or any other government agency, the last thing anyone should have to worry about is what happens to the personal information they provide to these offices. People deserve to know that their data will be used solely for the purpose it was given and nothing more,” said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union). “This bill would address the growing concern around data privacy, including alarming reports that states have been inadvertently granting law enforcement agencies outside of New Jersey real-time access to DMV records.”
“Unidentified officers put everyone at risk—including themselves. The FBI knows it, which is why they already encourage agents to identify themselves. This bill, crafted alongside law enforcement agencies, protects both law enforcement and communities,” said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer). “Documented cases show criminals posing as masked federal agents to commit robberies, kidnappings, and sexual assaults and when people cannot differentiate a cop from criminal imposter, trust for law enforcement breaks down, which can lead to costly consequences in true emergencies.”
Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris, Passaic) said he opposed the Immigrant Trust Directive measure, A-4071/S-3521, citing public safety concerns after an amendment he supported was not adopted.
“Siloing law enforcement and restricting their ability to communicate with our federal partners is where this bill fails to protect public safety,” said Sen. Bucco. “We offered a straightforward amendment that would simply require federal law enforcement to be notified when individuals convicted of serious violent offenses are released from custody. Rejecting that reasonable safeguard made this bill impossible to support.”
During earlier committee testimony, Chief Andrew Caggiano, president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, raised concerns that the legislation could create operational barriers, limit information sharing and impact officer safety.
The bills now head to the governor for consideration.
